Firebids Kick Off 2014 Cross Country Season at Delaware State Hornet Invitaional

SMYRNA, DE - The University of the District of Columbia kicked off its cross country season at the Delaware State University Hornet 5K Invitational this Saturday.

The Firebirds were led by junior Kimoy Mais (Mass Media - St. Andrew, Jamaica/St. Andrew HS) who finished 30th in a field of 58 competitors, running a personal best of 22:50.

Sophomore Kay-Tiarra Johnson (Psychology - Hempstead, NY/Hempstead HS) followed her to finish 31st with a time of 22:56. Junior Simone Grant (Health Education - Bronx, NY/Pelham Prep Academy) was the 3rd scorer for the Firebirds and finished 36th with a time of 23:44, closely followed by her teammate, junior Christina Baker (Psychology - Kingston, Jamaica/Collegiate Institute for Math & Science) who was 37th in 23:45. The 5th scorer for UDC was senior Marlena Wright (TV Production - Bronx, NY/Dewitt Clinton HS), finishing in 24:28 for 41st overall.

Freshmen Shayna Hodge (Undecided - Glenn Dale, MD/Duval HS) and Geordinell Thurston (Biology - Freeport, Bahamas/Bishop Michael Eldon School) rounded out the participants for the Firebirds, finishing 49th and 51st, respectively, with times of 26:02 and 26:16.

UDC finished 6th overall of six teams competing in the meet. They head to Maryland's Eastern Shore next weekend to compete at the Cappy Anderson Invitational at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Head coach Alton McKenzie said that Saturday's meet was a good start to the season.

"This [performance] sets the benchmark. We will build on this weekend's effort, and I look forward to improved performances next week and throughout the season," McKenzie said.